Spotlight on the American Hiking Society

The American Hiking Society offers weeklong trips to help construct and maintain trails throughout the United States. Volunteers are taken on group service trips with six to 15 others and a group leader. Trips can be chosen on fitness levels from easy to difficult.

According to their website, "American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience. As a recreation-based non-profit organization, American Hiking Society champions conservation issues, builds partnerships between public and private stakeholders, and provides critical resources to plan, fund and develop foot trails."

Some volunteer opportunities have included:

Repairing damaged trails in Coronado National Memorial, Arizona

Trip Length: One week

Activities: Repair flood-damaged areas; construct new trails

Trip Cost: $220-$275

Restoring trails at the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park

Trip Length: One week

Activities: Repair eroded trails; clear vegetation

Trip Cost: $220-$275

Housing varies depending on the location, but volunteers are usually given housing in a lodge or a place to pitch a tent (which must be provided by the individual). Campgrounds range from developed to primitive.

Most trips range from $175-$275, and balance is due at time of registration.

AHS works in Alaska; Arizona; Arkansas; California; Colorado; Florida; Idaho; Kentucky; Maine; Michigan; Minnesota; Montana; New York; North Carolina; Oregon; Pennsylvania; South Carolina; Tennessee; Texas; U.S. Virgin Islands; Utah; Vermont; Virginia; Washington; West Virginia; Wisconsin

Age Requirements: Most volunteers are 18 and older, though there are family-friendly options available for younger volunteers. These trips are searchable on the American Hiking Society website.

Physical Requirements: Previous hiking experience is strongly recommended for projects involving a more than five-mile hike.

Other: There are no career or language requirements to volunteer with the American Hiking Society.

Application Information

To apply, visit www.americanhiking.org and click on "Our Work."

1422 Fenwick Lane

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone: (800) 972-8608

Fax: (301) 565-6714

E-mail: info@americanhiking.org

Website: www.americanhiking.org